Description

Battle of the Bands is a rhythm game based on timing, similar to the Guitar Hero series. The concept is however different because it focuses on a clash between bands with different styles. Also no external peripherals are used, only the regular controllers.

At the start of the game, players choose a band and a music style (Country, Marching, Latin, Hip Hop or Rock). The game contains cover versions of 30 popular songs of which each one has five different versions based on the aforementioned styles. The notes scroll up from the bottom of the screen near the top and players need to swing the Wiimote in the right direction at the right moment. The game is always played against another opponent (human or computer) with a similar playfield on the other side of the screen. Both players play the same song, but with a different style. Based on the performance, the style of the player performing best is heard dominantly. When the other player improves, the volume is adjusted into the other direction and as such the song is constantly mixed based on the different styles.

Contrary to contemporary music games, missing a note does not influence the music itself, only the shift in volume towards a certain player. There are also different attacks to use while playing. The opponent's screen can be covered in smoke, have their controls reversed, or notes can even be shrunken or flipped around. There are also certain Face Off instances where the players take turns playing a part, launching attacks, while the other player can block through syncing.